Using Special Mud to Help Plants Grow Better
This patent describes a method using a super-saturated bentonite clay mud mixture to improve plant growth, especially in dry conditions, by retaining more moisture than regular soil.
Original patent title: “Use of bentonite for improving plant growth-related traits”
This patent describes a method using a super-saturated bentonite clay mud mixture to improve plant growth, especially in dry conditions, by retaining more moisture than regular soil. Granted to Individual in 2021 with 23 claims and 1 forward citation, and it is expected to expire in 2039.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent details a method for boosting plant growth by using a special mud, called a 'flowable supersaturated bentonite slurry.' This slurry is made of bentonite clay and water, with more water than needed to fully saturate the clay, as measured by something called the Swell Index. You apply this mud into a hole in the soil before planting, or around an existing plant. The plant's seeds or roots then touch this mud. The key is that this special mud holds onto water much better than just wet soil. This helps the plant grow measurably better, whether that's measured by how tall it gets, how much it weighs, or how big its roots are. It's particularly helpful for plants growing when there isn't much water, like during a drought. The slurry can also include other helpful things like fertilizers or bug killers.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Using bentonite that is not in a supersaturated slurry with more water than needed for complete saturation.
- Methods that do not involve applying the bentonite slurry into a hole in the plant growth medium.
- Using the bentonite slurry without a plant propagative material (like seeds or seedlings).
- Enhancing plant growth without measuring specific traits like biomass, yield, or root growth.
- Applying the slurry to established plants that are not considered 'plant propagative material' like seedlings or saplings.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The innovation lies in creating a 'supersaturated' bentonite slurry that actively holds more water than saturated soil alone. This engineered mud acts as a localized water reservoir around the plant's roots, ensuring consistent hydration and nutrient availability, which is crucial for early growth and stress tolerance.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Seedling and transplant establishment in nurseries
Improving drought tolerance for crops
Horticultural applications for trees and shrubs
Agricultural methods for enhanced plant biomass
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent offers a novel approach to agricultural enhancement by focusing on soil moisture retention and plant support. It provides a specific method for improving plant vitality and yield, particularly in challenging environments like drought-prone regions, by leveraging the unique properties of bentonite clay.
Filed
April 8, 2019
Granted
October 5, 2021
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
As this patent is held by an individual and has only one forward citationforward citationA later patent that cites this one as prior art. High counts signal foundational influence.Read more →, it's difficult to identify specific large companies actively building on this technology. However, the principles could be adopted by agricultural technology startups focused on soil amendments and water management solutions.
Market impact
This patent introduces a specific method for improving plant growth through a specialized bentonite slurry. Its impact is likely seen in niche agricultural and horticultural applications, particularly where water conservation and enhanced seedling establishment are critical. It provides a defined technique for competitors to navigate or licenselicensePermission from the patent owner to make, use, or sell the invention — usually in exchange for payment. Doesn't transfer ownership.Read more →.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent details a method for boosting plant growth by using a special mud, called a 'flowable supersaturated bentonite slurry.' This slurry is made of bentonite clay and water, with more water than needed to fully saturate the clay, as measured by something called the Swell Index. You apply this mud into a hole in the soil before planting, or around an existing plant. The plant's seeds or roots then touch this mud. The key is that this special mud holds onto water much better than just wet soil. This helps the plant grow measurably better, whether that's measured by how tall it gets, how much it weighs, or how big its roots are. It's particularly helpful for plants growing when there isn't much water, like during a drought. The slurry can also include other helpful things like fertilizers or bug killers.
The clever bit
The innovation lies in creating a 'supersaturated' bentonite slurry that actively holds more water than saturated soil alone. This engineered mud acts as a localized water reservoir around the plant's roots, ensuring consistent hydration and nutrient availability, which is crucial for early growth and stress tolerance.
What it does not cover
- Using bentonite that is not in a supersaturated slurry with more water than needed for complete saturation.
- Methods that do not involve applying the bentonite slurry into a hole in the plant growth medium.
- Using the bentonite slurry without a plant propagative material (like seeds or seedlings).
- Enhancing plant growth without measuring specific traits like biomass, yield, or root growth.
- Applying the slurry to established plants that are not considered 'plant propagative material' like seedlings or saplings.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
6/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$140K – $449K
Midpoint $281K · 12.6 yr remaining · industry ×2.4
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Patent Claims
0 independent claims · 1 dependent
Claims are the legal boundaries of the patent. An independent claim stands alone. A dependent claim adds limitations to its parent, narrowing — but not broadening — the scope.
The original legal language
Original claims
23 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Scannell, C. (2021). Using Special Mud to Help Plants Grow Better (U.S. Patent No. 11,134,620). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11134620/use-of-bentonite-for-improving-plant-growth-related-traits
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Using Special Mud to Help Plants Grow Better cover?
This patent describes a method using a super-saturated bentonite clay mud mixture to improve plant growth, especially in dry conditions, by retaining more moisture than regular soil.
Who owns patent US 11134620?
Individual owns this patent, granted in 2021.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on April 8, 2039, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 11134620 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent offers a novel approach to agricultural enhancement by focusing on soil moisture retention and plant support. It provides a specific method for improving plant vitality and yield, particularly in challenging environments like drought-prone regions, by leveraging the unique properties of bentonite clay.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Using bentonite that is not in a supersaturated slurry with more water than needed for complete saturation.
Same assignee
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